Veteran BBC presenter Mark Urban has revealed his decision to bid farewell to the broadcaster after an illustrious career spanning 35 years. Known for his role as the diplomatic editor of Newsnight and as the program’s host, Urban took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to share the news with his followers.
In a heartfelt message, Urban expressed that it was time for a change in his career path. I’ll be leaving the BBC at the end of May. Newsnight in its current format will end then, so most posts will go. I decided not to apply for other BBC jobs,” he stated. Reflecting on his time at the BBC, Urban acknowledged its profound impact on his life, highlighting his experiences as an eyewitness to history and his collaborations with brilliant colleagues.
Urban’s departure coincides with changes within the BBC, particularly regarding Newsnight. In November, it was announced that the current affairs show would undergo significant transformations, including a shortened runtime of 30 minutes and a reduction in staff from 57 to just 23 as part of cost-saving measures. The show’s format will also shift to prioritize interviews, debates, and discussions, moving away from its previous focus on investigative journalism and in-depth reports on topical news.
These changes have raised concerns among some, including former Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis, who warned about the potential loss of extraordinary journalism under the new format. Urban himself expressed his apprehension, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to the program and his dismay at the significant cuts to staff and budget.
As Urban prepares to depart from the BBC, his decision marks the end of an era for both him and Newsnight. His contributions to the broadcaster and his dedication to journalistic integrity have left an indelible mark on the industry, and he will undoubtedly be remembered for his outstanding work over the past three and a half decades.
